Best Face Masks

Over the past few months especially, I've really been trying to focus on taking better care of my skin. I've always been pretty good with making sure to cleanse and moisturise but as I get older I'm noticing changes in my skin. On weeks where I don't eat well and sleep enough or take the time to cleanse, tone and moisturise (I'm guilty of a few late night makeup remover wipe then pass out moves) that I see that reflected on my skin later in the week.

I have combination skin that's oily in some areas, dry in others and then some areas that vary and quite honestly, seem to do whatever the eff they feel like on any given day. lol In part of my process to take better care of my skin I'm realizing that being proactive and using masks to treat some of my trouble zones helps big time and over the past year I've experimented with a lot of masks and narrowed down my 4 favorite skin masks. Today I thought I'd share them with you; what they do, how they feel and smell and what to expect. So, let's get started...

This mask is my most recent discovery but is so good that it had to be included in my round up. This mask is actually probably the least "mask-y" mask of the group as it's a 2-in-1 scrub and mask so it has a consistency that's actually more like an exfoliating cleanser. I love this mask because it's all natural and cruelty free (amazing) and uses natural jojoba beads, peppermint and grapefruit oil to exfoliate and has vitamin E to refresh your skin. To use you apply a thin layer to your face in a circular motion and allow to sit on your face for 2-3 minutes then wash away, exfoliating as you do so. This is a great quick mask so it's really easy to incorporate into your routine and it's also really easy to wash off. It has a soft peppermint scent and leaves your skin feeling amazing. Within about a minute of applying, your skin will feel fresh, that's the only way I can describe it. It's not a full tingle sensation but the peppermint and grapefruit oil make your skin feel fresh and bright - it's kind of the best feeling ever. For a quick mask that's crazy easy to use and not a lot of work- this mask definitely wins. And ICYMI, I'm giving one of my Canadian gals (or guy!) a chance to win this mask along with the Dr. Roebuck's cleanser and moisturiser so head on over here to enter!

Landeva's charcoal mask has been one of my essentials for over a year now since first discovering Landeva Organics. I can't say enough good things about this mask. This mask is made from activated charcoal (a natural "magnet" that draws impurities out of the skin), rhassoul clay (a mineral rich clay that purifies, nourishes and softens the skin), white willow bark (natural antimacrobial astrignent and exfoliant that treats blemishes and acne) and honey powder (softens and moisturizes skin while also acting as an antimicrobial). To use this mask, mix 1/2 tsp of the powder with water, honey oil, yoghurt or any other liquid of your choice (I use water) and apply. A little goes a long way. Once the mask is on you'll begin to notice a feeling of tightness as it dries. It doesn't have much of a smell (unless you mix it with something fragrant). Leave on for 10-15 minutes (don't leave on for longer) and then wash off. This takes a bit of scrubbing to remove as the mask dries onto your skin but once the mask is removed your skin should feel incredibly clean. I love to use this mask as a spot treatment as well because the clay is so good for drawing out impurities in the skin.

Is there anything more annoying than blackheads? I discovered this mask last summer and love to use it to treat blackheads. This is a creamy mask with a bit of grit to it from the volcanic mineral clay. The volcanic mineral clay and baby's breath extract work to draw out dirt and oil from your pores while pomegranate seed oil tightens your pores. This mask is really easy to use, has a clean scent and feels great. I use it on my nose and sometimes chin and apply a thin layer which I leave on for ten minutes then rinse away with warm water. If you want to seal the deal, I also use the pore refining sealer but you can also use a homemade ACV toner (easy and inexpensive) or your toner of choice to help tighten your pores then moisturise as you normally would.

I love discovering skincare brands that are natural and non toxic and Herbivore is definitely one of those brands! This Blue Tansy mask is another mask that is a resurfacing and clarifying mask that will leave your skin feeling incredibly clean and clear. The mask is made from white willow bark (same as the Landeva mask) and aloe leaf which both have salicylic acid that unclogs pores. Papaya and pineapple fruit enzymes work to exfoliate the skin which leaves smoothes your complexion and makes your skin feel completely fresh. The last active ingredient is the blue tansy oil which gives the mask it's name and distinctive blue color. The oil is a powerful anti inflammatory which reduces redness and smoothes irritated skin. This is a pretty powerful mask. It has a gel like texure and despite the blue color, actually goes on clear and dries quickly just making your face look shiny while it's on. The thing I noticed right away about this mask is the intense tingling feel. You definitely feel those ingredients working right away upon applying the mask which I like (I like to know it's working! haha). If you have sensitive skin, only leave this mask on for 5 minutes otherwise, upon applying a thin layer you leave it on for 15-20 minutes or until the mask is completely dry then rinse off with warm water.

So there you go - four of my favorite face masks as of late. Do you have a favorite mask you think I should try? Let me know in the comments below!